AS Roma vs Udinese live streaming: Watch March 17, 2014 Serie A match

Second place AS Roma will be hoping to distance themselves from third placed Napoli as they welcome Udinese to the Stadio Olimpico.

Preview: Roma set to welcome Francesco Totti back to the squad

The talismanic captain is set to feature during Monday’s encounter after missing out for over a month due to an injury he suffered in the Rome derby against Lazio back on the 9th of February.

The Italian’s timely return will be a major boost to Roma and Rudi Garcia has claimed that his captain’s return will allow the team to be more dangerous in the attacking third.

"I also now have more attacking options with Totti's return, so we needed some good news after a series of bad news moments," he said.

The French tactician also highlighted the differences between Totti and the other strikers in the squad claiming that the team will have to adapt to a different playing style with the 37 year old leading the line.

"We won't play with Totti the way we do with Mattia Destro or as we did with Marco Borriello. The team has to adapt.

"He's not like Gervinho either, someone who needs the ball played to feet into space.”
In addition to Totti, Garcia further announced that defenders Dodo and Michel Bastos are also available for selection.

"I have a choice to make on the left, as Alessio Romagnoli did very well, but now Dodo and Michel Bastos are also available."

One player who will not be able to make an appearance for Roma this season is midfielder Kevin Strootman who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the match against Napoli. Rudi Garcia has now encouraged his players to work even harder in order to secure a Champions League place for next season.

"We want to do well for Kevin, as he deserves to play in the Champions League next season," the Frenchman said.

La Maggica will be wary of Napoli who will take every opportunity to pounce at Roma’s second place, a position which guarantees its incumbent a spot in Europe’s top tier competition. And Napoli made their intentions clear when they subjected Roma to a 1-0 defeat last week reducing the gap between the two sides to just three points.

Prior to that Inter Milan held the Lupi to a goalless draw which means Rudi Garcia and co will be keen to notch all three points against an Udinese side which has been very disappointing this season.
Udinese on the other hand have had an abysmal season so far and their performances have pushed them down to the 14th position. However the team will take confidence from their 1-0 victory over AC Milan last time out which was their first in the last five games.

Gabriel Silva and Silvan Widmer are expected to be on the sidelines for Udinese whereas Bruno Fernandes will serve suspension.

Last time the two sides met in Rome, the match ended in a five goal thriller. Erik Lamela’s brace surged the hosts to a 2-0 lead and the Lupi were expected to race away with all three points. The Zebrette however responded strongly and a Maurizio Domizzi goal in the first half was followed by a double from Antonio Di Natale which secured all three points for Udinese.

Regardless of their defeat last time out Roma enjoy a fine record at home against their opponents on Monday. Of the 39 matches played between the two sides at Olimpico, Roma have recorded 21 league wins over the Bianconeri and have lost just six times.

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